Monica Hernandez / Eyewitness News
Email: mhernandez@wwltv.com | Twitter: @mhernandezwwl
NEW ORLEANS -- It was an unforgettable moment for everyone in the room, but none more so than John W. Ross, Sr., the grandfather of Robert Griffin III.
Ross cried tears of joy as he watched his grandson, the number two selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, be selected to play for the Washington Redskins.
“It’s like when you get the chills, you know. You get that feeling running through you,” Ross said. “So it’s a great feeling.”
Griffin, the 2012 Heisman Award winner, has deep roots in New Orleans. Both his parents are from the Crescent City, and he spent part of his childhood here.
That’s why a proud grandfather celebrated Griffin's draft selection at Smokin' Joes in Gentilly while some of Griffin’s family attended the draft selection ceremony in New York.
Ross sported a green jersey to represent Baylor University, where Griffin played football. On the back it says "RG Grandpa." But Ross said, that will soon change.
“I’m going to get my Redskin and my cap, and we gonna have a Redskin party,” Ross chuckled.
When asked what he’d be wearing when the Saints were playing, Ross said he’ll stick with his Redskins jersey.
“I’m going to wear my Redskins,” Ross said. “They’re going to carry me inside, but I’m sorry, I’m gonna have my Redskins on.”
And as friends raise a glass to Griffin, Ross beams with pride that he’s part of a success story, with roots in New Orleans.
“Very proud day,” Ross said. “Very proud day.”
The Redskins will play the black and gold in the Saints season opener.
